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Avian influenza is flu infection in birds. The virus that causes the bird infectin can change (mutate) to infect humans. Such mutation could start a deadly worldwide epidemic.
Those who eat raw or undercooked poultry meat, eggs, or blood from infected birds Health care workers and household contacts of patients with avian influenza may also be at an increased risk of the bird flu. The avian flu virus (H5N1) has been shown to survive in the environment for long periods of time. Infection may be spread simply by touching contaminated surfaces. Birds who were infected with this flu can continue to release the virus in their feces and saliva for as long as 10 days.
Symptoms
Symptoms of avian flu infection in humans depend on the strain of virus. Infection with the H5N1 virus in humans causes typical flu-like symptoms, which might include: Cough (dry or productive) Diarrhea Difficulty breathing Fever greater than 100.4F (38C) Headache Malaise
Other tests may be done to look at the functions of your heart, kidneys, and liver.
Treatment
Different types of avian flu virus may cause different symptoms. Therefore, treatment may vary. In general, treatment with the antiviral medication oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) may make the disease less severe if you start taking the medicine within 48 hours after your symptoms start. Oseltamivir may also be prescribed for persons who live in the same house as those diagnosed with avian flu. The virus that causes human avian flu appears to be resistant to the antiviral medicines amantadine and rimantadine. Therefore these medications should not be used if an H5N1 outbreak occurs. People with severe infection may need to be placed on a breathing machine. Experts recommend that persons diagnosed with avian flu be put in isolation. Doctors recommend that people get an influenza (flu) shot to reduce the chance of an avian flu virus mixing with a human flu virus, which would create a new virus that may easily spread. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a vaccine to protect humans from the avian flu. Experts say the vaccine could be used if the current H5N1 virus starts spreading between people.
Expectations (prognosis)
The outlook depends on the severity of infection and the type of avian influenza virus that caused it. Death is possible.
Complications
Acute respiratory distress Organ failure Pneumonia Sepsis
Prevention
At this time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has no recommendations against travel to the countries affected by H5N1 . However, travelers should avoid visits to live-bird markets in areas with an avian flu outbreak. People who work with birds who might be infected should use protective clothing and special breathing masks. Avoiding undercooked or uncooked meat reduces the risk of exposure to avian flu and other foodborne diseases. Current information regarding avian flu is available at www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/outbreaks/current.htm.
References 1. Treanor JJ. Influenza viruses, including avian influence and swine
influenza. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds.Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 165. 2. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA Approves First U.S. Vaccine for Humans Against the Avian Influenza Virus H5N1. Rockville, MD: National Press Office; April 17, 2007. Release P07-68. 3. Levin S. Zoonoses. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 349. 4. Hayden FG. Influenza. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 387. 5. Ferri FF. Avian influenza. In: Ferri FF, ed. Ferris Clinical Advisor 2010. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:section 1.
Review Date: 2/1/2011. Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.